John Grass has officially been introduced as the 37th head coach of Samford’s football program. The university hosted an official press conference this afternoon following an announcement on various social media. Students, faculty, friends and family filled Harry’s Coffeehouse in the University Center to welcome the new coach of the Bulldogs.
Grass comes to Samford after four years at Clemson University as an analyst. Prior to his time there, he coached Jacksonville State University for eight seasons. Of those eight years, six included conferences championships and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff appearances. The 2015 season included a run to the FCS National Championship. In his tenure he coached many All-American and All-Conference players as well as being named Coach of the Year.
Martin Newton, the vice president of intercollegiate athletics, explained that Grass’s proven track record to win at the FCS was key in the coaching search that explored options from the NFL to high school coaches.
Newton also noted two other criteria in his search: “We wanted someone with deep roots in the state of Alabama and relationships in this local community. We want someone who understood, believed and embraced the Christian mission of this university. John Grass is that someone.”
Grass grew 40 minutes away from Samford’s campus in Ashville, Alabama. It was there that his coaching career began coaching at his alma mater Ashville High School. He coached at the high school level for 20 years, winning multiple accolades and bringing several Alabama schools to the state playoffs.
“It is great to be home,” said Grass at the introduction of his press conference. “I thank our Lord and Savior for giving me this opportunity. This is Gods doing.”
Grass plans to use his long-time connection with the high school level of football to develop sustained success.
“We want to build a program. We could go into the portal, grab a lot of players and win a lot of games but then the next year we go 2-10,” he said.
Grass is also excited to be a part of FCS football again.
“It is the purest level of football we have left,” he said. “I don’t really like where the game is going.”
Part of the change in college football is NIL (name, image and likeness).
“We want to recruit guys who number one love football, and want an education from Samford,” Grass said. “It’s not that I am against that stuff [NIL], I am for that stuff but there is a happy medium there to.”
Grass acknowledges the up-field battle Samford faces with players choosing to advance from the FCS level through the transfer portal and iterates wanting to part apart of players reaching their max potential but also hopes to build a culture that values a Samford degree.
Over the next couple of weeks, Grass will be talking to and evaluating the current roster while he works to build his team for next season.
Samford football 2026 schedule has yet to be released, but students, faculty and fans will all be eager to see the new era the Grass brings to Pete Hanna Stadium.
Sports Editor
